Otranto Cowl by Kathleen Sperling

Otranto Cowl

Knitting
September 2014
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches
in charted pattern
US 7 - 4.5 mm
150 - 160 yards (137 - 146 m)
21" circumference and 7" tall, buttoned
English
This pattern is available from interweave.com for $7.99.

This simple mosaic cowl pattern makes a great project for anyone. Bright colors with high contrast can add a touch of fun; more muted colors create a more conservative look. Work the cowl flat with a buttonband for easy mosaic knitting. It’s very quick to work up, and is a good introduction to colourwork in general and the mosaic technique specifically.

Skills required

  • knitting and purling
  • slipping stitches
  • increasing and decreasing
  • yarnovers (for buttonholes)
  • chart reading (knowledge of mosaic chart reading is not necessary, as the chart is in standard format, i.e. one chart row per row worked, rather than mosaic knitting format, i.e. one chart row per two worked knitted rows with a colour key at the side)

Yarn requirements

  • MC: approximately 100 yards
  • CC: approximately 55 yards

Other materials needed

  • 3 buttons between 0.5” and 0.75” in diameter
  • tapestry needle